If you’re looking on where to start when visiting Kinosaki Onsen during spring, we recommend these 5 quintessential experiences and activities!
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Take a stroll down cherry blossom-lined Kiyamachi Street
Kiyamachi Street is a tranquil little path secretly winding beside the mountains enveloping Kinosaki Onsen.
Here, incredibly radiant cherry blossoms bloom alongside residential homes and shops, blanketing the neighborhood in a pink canvas.
Take photos on the nearby cherry blossom bridge, order a drink at a streetside cafe, or simply enjoy people watching from a bench while resting under the fluttering flowers.
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Slip on a floral pattern yukata
The clothing of choice in Kinosaki Onsen is a yukata, a type of light cotton kimono perfect for slipping on and off when hot spring hopping.
At Iroha Yukata Shop, visitors can rent an intricately decorated floral yukata for strolling beneath the cherry blossoms and willow trees in town.
Along with a yukata, guests receive a bag, accessories (for an extra fee), hair styling (for women), and traditional geta wooden sandals for clip-clopping through the streets.
Don't worry about putting the yukata on by yourself at first - the staff are happy to show you the proper way to wear one!
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Ride the local bus for a day trip in Izushi Castle Town
On weekends, direct buses run between Kinosaki Onsen and Izushi Castle Town, home to samurai history and local specialties such as soba buckwheat noodles, Izushi Porcelain, and Willow Craft weaving.
Izushi has many interesting attractions, including the Izushi Castle Ruins, Samurai House Karoyashiki, and Eirakukan Kabuki Theater.
During cherry blossom season, the Izushi Castle Ruins become dotted with pink as cherry blossoms bloom throughout the castle grounds.
Sit under the trees with some traditional sweets from one of the shops in town for a mini picnic!
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Admire the mountain cherry blossoms on the Kinosaki Ropeway
In the back of town in Kinosaki Onsen, the top of Mount Daishi boasts Michelin Star views spreading across the Sea of Japan.
Guests ride the Kinosaki Ropeway up the mountainside sprinkled with cherry blossom trees before reaching the top and enjoying some lunch at the summit's Miharashi Terrace Cafe.
Enjoy hot dogs, a slice of cake, and other sweets while enjoying the panoramic views!
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Capture special moments with a cherry blossom photoshoot
In Kinosaki Onsen, a picture can be worth a thousand words - and a thousand cherry blossoms!
After donning a yukata, capture the dreamy Kinosaki memories with a private photo session for you and your loved ones.
Local photographers will guide the way to delightful spots brimming with whimsy unique to a cherry blossom spring.
Scrapbook-worthy snaps under Kinosaki Onsen's canopies of fluttering cherry blossoms will leave you enchanted long after your visit.
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Danielle Leveille
Junior Local Expert
Originally from Chicago in the USA. She currently works for Visit Kinosaki as a coordinator for international relations. A lover of Tajima beef and hidden sightseeing spots, she can be found either at one of her favorite restaurants or exploring a secret nook in town.